Atwood Magazine is thrilled to present our Editor’s Picks column, crafted and curated by Editor-in-Chief Mitch Mosk. Each week, Mitch will bring together a selection of songs, albums, and artists that have captivated him. There's an abundance of exceptional music out there waiting to be discovered, requiring only an open mind and a readiness to listen. With our Editor's Picks, we aim to highlight our musical finds and provide a showcase of a varied range of new and recent releases.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, this week's Editor's Picks includes six remarkable love (and love-related) tracks by James Bay & Jon Batiste, The Aces, Bren Joy, Stevie Bill, Julien Baker & TORRES, and Gabriel Jacoby!
“Sunshine in the Room” by James Bay featuring Jon Batiste
How can you convey to someone just how deeply you love them? With music, sweet music: James Bay’s latest single embodies pure love and light. Featuring the incredible Jon Batiste, “Sunshine in the Room” is an uplifting, vibrant love song that radiates from cloud nine. For Bay, it’s a joyous tribute to his wife, Lucy—the inspiration behind many of his songs over the years. For all of us, it serves as a swift reminder of that special person who brightens our lives—the one who brings joy even when the skies are grey, and can “turn grey skies into blue.” With a lively beat and soaring melodies, Bay and Batiste encapsulate the warm happiness and bliss of love in an irresistibly catchy melody.
“Working with Jon Batiste for ‘Sunshine in the Room’ is an experience I will never forget,” Bay tells Atwood Magazine. “He came into the studio like a burst of sunlight and infused so much joy into the sound of the record. He’s a complete inspiration, and I hope we can collaborate again. The song is about having someone in your life who truly lights up a room upon their arrival.”
Debuting in January, “Sunshine in the Room” follows Bay’s fourth studio album, Changes All the Time, which featured collaborations with several prominent artists, including Brandon Flowers of The Killers, The Lumineers, and singer-songwriter Noah Kahan for the first time.
An accomplished musician with 5 GRAMMY Awards, an EMMY Award, and an Academy Award to his name (along with over seven celebrated studio albums, various soundtracks, EPs, live records, and unique collaborations), Jon Batiste is yet another exceptional collaborator; it’s fitting that these two distinguished artists combined their talents to create a sweet, soulful anthem—finding common ground in what ultimately unites us all.
“Jon was the perfect choice for this song,” Bay expresses. “We weren’t sure he’d say yes, but after imagining him as a feature, we reached out. He brought so much joy and sunshine to the session and the track. I can't exaggerate how much I appreciate his musical talent. It’s incredibly inspiring! And his voice! Wow, he hit some notes that I could never even dream of hitting!”
Turning to the song’s inspiration, Bay explains that it came naturally and quickly. Although he has penned several love songs previously, this one stands out as particularly special.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have that person in my life,” he shares. “I’ve seen it in relationships around me too. It’s such a joyful experience, and picturing sunshine streaming through a window into a room felt like a beautiful metaphor for that feeling. Writing it was effortless, especially with my close friend Jon Green, who I share a strong writing rapport with.”
Much of Bay’s other love music blends lighter and darker tones, and he's discussed his tendency to intermix emotions in his work. “Sunshine in the Room” is notable for its unabashed one-sidedness; it’s a direct expression of pure happiness, representing something ‘new’ in James Bay’s discography.
Bay notes his conscious decision to lean fully into joy this time, drawing inspiration from his favorite artists from the golden age of soul.
“Songwriting and being an artist can often be a conscious contradiction,” he reflects. “Playing with artistic license and the concept of ‘devil’s advocate’ is always an interesting avenue. This time, I felt inspired to write something joyful, unlike my usual tendency to delve into heavier or sadder themes. I enjoyed referencing details from my favorite Motown records that are uplifting, even when the lyrics may touch on deeper issues.”
“Sunshine in the Room” evokes classic tunes such as Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” The Isley Brothers’ “Shout,” and even Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”: These songs deliver their own unique serotonin boost, resulting from the artists' heartfelt infusion of love and light in their craft. In that spirit, this track is just the latest in a long legacy of uplifting love songs.
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This week's Editor's Picks, curated by Mitch Mosk, includes tracks from James Bay & Jon Batiste, The Aces, Bren Joy, Stevie Bill, Julien Baker & TORRES, and Gabriel Jacoby!